Now that the special session has concluded and the 2023 legislative session has begun, lawmakers across Alabama are weighing the priorities for their districts.

In Baldwin County, three new legislators were added to the mix after last fall’s election: State Reps. Frances Holk-Jones, Donna Givens and Jennifer Fidler. In addition, some incumbent legislators, such as State Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, picked up some Baldwin County territory in redistricting.

And though the group doesn’t appear to have a strong set of group priorities, there were a few issues that came up with most of the legislators the Lede talked to. All legislators have their own priorities for their districts, of course, that are not included here.

State Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne), chair of the Baldwin County delegation, said that while the group has not outlined a list of priorities, all of the lawmakers are likely to focus on the renewal of the Alabama Jobs Act, which provides tax incentives to companies that invest in the state and create jobs. Simpson said he’s hoping that tourism incentives remain in the act, as tourism is critical to Baldwin County. Rep. Alan Baker (R-Brewton), who represents parts of both Escambia County and Baldwin County, agreed.

“It’s important that we keep a tourism incentive, that’s one of the tools in our toolbox for attracting jobs into a given area,” Baker said. “Particularly with Baldwin County being such a strong tourism destination for those within and outside of our state.”